Browsed byTag: Islamophobia

The news of the plot in Kansas to bomb an apartment complex and mosque where 120 Somali refugees live and work didn’t get much mainstream media attention – but it should have as it represents a growing threat targeting Muslim, Arab and South Asian communities. I wrote about how Islamophobia didn’t start with this election and how it won’t end with it at The Nation.

“We can no longer turn a blind eye to domestic terrorist threats whose targets are communities of color, immigrants, and refugees, or pretend that the divisive policies and rhetoric implemented and used by political leaders has little influence on public opinions and actions. The Kansas plot should be our national wake-up call that defeating Donald Trump on Election Day will not wipe away the momentum of hatred and bigotry that has emerged during this political season.”

At #WeTooSingAmerica community conversations from New York to Washington, DC to Chicago to Atlanta to Seattle, people have shared that they are experiencing a range of emotions these days, from frustration to hopelessness to outrage to sadness. That is exactly why what we do now matters: to come together, to speak up, to show up, and to do so in ways that center the experiences of Muslim communities in the United States.

Thankfully, there is no shortage of people ready and willing to do so, to explicitly say that “we are better than this.” I’ve seen this firsthand at #WeTooSingAmerica community conversations, where people of all racial and faith backgrounds have been making pledges to talk about, take action on the issues and narratives facing Muslim, Arab and South Asian communities in post 9/11 America, and to influence others to do the same.

Culled from the responses from people around the country, and from the examples of positive actions already happening, below are five ways to take action now to demonstrate that it is vital – and possible – to point our country in an alternative direction: one based on a shared vision of respect, justice, equity, and solidarity.

Statements Matter “I will ask my organization, my elected official, my place of worship to make statements of support and solidarity”

At this moment, strong statements that directly center and address xenophobia and Islamophobia are important in setting a different tone for our country. Here are some solid examples that you can use to make an ask of your local newspaper to write an editorial, your campus administrators for an official message from the President, your own organization or network, or your local elected official or City Council.

Best practice tip: Ask university officials to consider sending a message to the entire campus community about the impact of today’s climate on Muslim, Arab and South Asian students, and to reiterate the campus’ anti-discrimination policies and commitment to inclusion. Ask student groups to stand in solidarity with Muslim Student Associations on campuses and centralize Islamophobia and xenophobia as key aspects of conferences, meetings, and programs in 2016. Examples:

2. Prevention Matters: “As a parent, I am going to ask my school counselor and principal how they are planning to address bullying and bias against Muslim, Arab, Sikh and South Asian students.”

We can attempt to stem the tide of hate violence and bias incidents in schools, communities and workplaces with three R’s in mind: ensuring that communities being targeted are aware of their rights; that government agencies and public stakeholders publicly articulate and vigorously enforce their responsibilities under anti-discrimination laws; and that resources are made available to assist communities in need.

Examples:

Ask your local civil and human rights commission to release in-language factsheets about the legal protections that exist on the basis of national origin and faith.

Ask your City Council to hold a hearing on the impact of today’s climate on Muslim, Arab and South Asian communities that reflects the voices and experiences of local community members and leaders.

If you are a parent, ask your school principal and counselors about their plans to ensure that policies and resources are in place to address bullying. Free resources from the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments here

3. Conversations Matter: “I will have a conversation about race and Islamophobia with my colleagues at work”; “I will challenge my relatives who make anti-Muslim statements.”

The messiest and most difficult conversations are often the ones we have with the people in our closest circles of colleagues, family members and friends to raise awareness and shift viewpoints. Here are some resources to help shape those conversations that include questions and remarks such as “Aren’t all terrorists Muslims?” or “The Syrian refugees could be dangerous.”

Check out We Too Sing America’s appendix for conversation starters on race, anti-Muslim sentiment, and xenophobia based on the stories and issues featured in the book

4. Supporting Organizations and Grassroots Efforts Matters:

Crisis response has been a daily phenomenon for groups working with Muslim, Arab, South Asian and Sikh communities, including local community-based organizations and places of worship in your area. This is an ideal time, as we close out the year, to make a donation to support their work. While there are many amazing organizations to support (many are linked in the sections on this post or here), I’m highlighting two local ones that are particularly invested in organizing and base building.

Prepare for or follow up on solidarity events with an awareness and strategy session with the membership of your own organizations and representatives of Muslim, Arab and South Asian groups. Best Practice Tip: At all times, it is important to connect with and take the lead from groups working directly with MASA communities to reflect their voices and expertise on messaging.